By Ihechi Enyinnaya
Human rights activist and legal counsel to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Chief Femi Falana (SAN), has responded to the Nigeria Police on why the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, will not be able to honor their invitation to appear at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at 10 a.m.
In a letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police, through DCP Mohammed Ahmed Sanusi, Chief Falana explained that Comrade Ajaero had a prior engagement scheduled for August 20, well before receiving the police invitation on Monday. Consequently, Ajaero has proposed a new date, offering to be available for the interview on Wednesday, August 29, 2024.
The letter, titled “Re: Letter of Invitation,” was signed by Samuel Ogala on behalf of Chief Falana. It also requested the police to provide detailed information regarding the allegations against Ajaero, which include criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.
“We are Solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on whose behalf we write this letter in respect of the above subject matter,” the letter reads.
Falana continued, “We have the instructions of Comrade Joe Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honor your invitation on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in view of the fact that your invitation letter was received by him yesterday. He has an engagement that had been fixed before the receipt of the invitation letter.”
The letter concluded by reiterating Comrade Ajaero’s readiness to attend the interview on August 29, while also requesting that the police furnish him with the details and nature of the serious allegations against him.
“While awaiting your positive response to this letter, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem,” the letter stated.